Prediction: This is by far Illinois’ most telling game of the season to date. Under 18th-year head coach Bill Fennelly, Iowa State has become an established national power, averaging more than 21 wins per season and making 15 postseason appearances, including two trips to the NCAA Elite Eight. If the Illini are competitive against the Cyclones — or even manage an upset — it would be the most significant proof yet that Matt Bollant has Illinois pointed in the right direction. There’s precedent, at least on the Illini bench. Bollant’s Wisconsin-Green Bay team knocked off host Iowa State 71-57 last March in the first round of the NCAA tournament. Iowa State 75, Illinois 71. (N-G prediction record 3-1).